Critique my listing: Karl1193 in Northport, Alabama, United States

[Karl1193]

I am new to Airbnb.  I live in a college town - University of Alabama- where everyone lives and breathes football.  I have friends who are already booked for the entire season but I haven't received even 1 enquiry.  I've tweaked my listing, I've offered every possible amenity,  and I have 1 really stellar review.  My price is competitive and other successful hosts have looked at my listing and can't find anything I should change.  I'm at a total loss - I don't understand why I have had no inquiries and no idea what I should do differently.  Any advice would be appreciated!

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/51232842?source_impression_id=p3_1658765116_SiiKZ9hU40xbduD%2B

[Annie1372]

@Karl1193 

I have not looked at the details of your listing. But I would never booked a place where the host do not put a picture of himself.

[Gwen386]

Hi @Karl1193 

Your home is nice, but it is too cluttered. It’s difficult to tell how spacious your place is. It could make one feel claustrophobic because there are things everywhere—on every dresser, end table, and chimney ledge. There are pillows everywhere. The kitchen counter has lots of stuff and the dining room table has dishes displayed. Even the windows are covered with stained pieces. The cliche “less is more” is true. I’m not trying to be hard on your lovely place but I would have serious concerns staying here for fear of breaking something. Also, if I’m staying somewhere, I don’t want to see how others live. 

I suggest clearing everything off of dresser tops, only have lamps on end tables, only have a couple of pillows on couches, store dishes away in cabinets, only have a toaster, coffeemaker and some coffee/teas on kitchen counter, and remove stuff from top of cabinets. Think clutter free. This may be hard to hear but when I sold my condo years ago, this is the first thing the Realtor said to me. 

Again, I hope you see my reasons for why your place may not be getting reservations in the sincere spirit it is offered. 

[Karl1193]

I get mixed replies about that.  My intention was to store the excess bric a brac for rentals.  I'll try doing that for pictures.  At this point I'll try anything.

[Mark116]

@Karl1193  I would guess that the 'Summer Release' Airbnb did in May is the reason, in which case, there isn't much you can do.  Many, many hosts, ourselves included have seen our listing views virtually disappear since then.

You could try doing a custom promotion, but that will be at least 10% discount, that is supposed to bump you in the search results.  However, as a new listing, you should already be getting a new listing bump.

Your place is cute, but I would tone down at least some of the clutter, you want it to seem like there is room for the guest stuff, so take off the books from the bedside tables, etc.  But I don't think that clutter is the reason you're not getting inquiries, but its the new search AI feature, sad to say.

[Karl1193]

Thanks for the input.  I can clear some clutter but I don't feel that is the issue either.  The whole idea is to feel like you're not in a hotel room.  And honestly, when it comes to UA football, fans will rent a tent.

What was the 'summer release'?

[Karl1193 · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the input. I can clear some clutter but I don't feel that is the issue either. The whole idea is to feel like you're not in a hotel room. And honestly, when it comes to UA football, fans will rent a tent.

What was the 'summer release'?

[Kirsten266]

Wow! You've got a lot lot lot lot of stuff, colors and prints in the house

[Emiel1]

@Karl1193 

The houserules...IMHO it may need some attention ?

"Load dishwasher with dirty dishes and strip beds. Throw away any disposable dinnerware. Put bedding on top of washing machine. We'll do the rest!
Please don't flush a puppy down the toilet - the house was built in 1930. Have a good time but be mindful there are neighbors so please avoid gatherings of 5000+. Don't download porn - save that for home. If you have a service animal, use the extremely large crate provided so they don't have separation anxiety attacks and use the sofa as a chew toy.
Its the Roll Tide Bungalow but all fans are welcome (even LSU and Auburn!)"

[Karl1193]

Airbnb suggested interjecting humor into house rules

[Kelly149]

I'm familiar with Tuscaloosa - Roll Tide - and folks are rightfully worried about how their stay will turn out when the bill is $1000/night and they know that any problems will put them on the highway to Birmingham if things don't go well with the ABB they choose.

1) for one bathroom and such a personalized space, I think you're overpriced

2) yes, you have one good review, but that could be from your cousin... you'll need a few more until guests have confidence

3) your profile should be complete

4) Northport allows rentals and Tuscaloosa doesn't, so people are wary and you might should highlight the fact that your listing is legal and you intend to follow thru and won't ghost them for their stay.

5) at $1000/night, the joking doesn't hit right. That's serious money and these folks are serious about football, your listing should be serious.

6) along those lines, fine, take a reservation from a LSU fan, but advertising it just isn't smart

7) there are FB pages dedicated to UA parents (this is your primary guest), join a few and advertise

8 ) peruse the other listings around you that have been booked, and consider what changes you could make to be more appealing. You're acting like a hotel is a bad thing, but rolling the dice on staying in someone else's space when that space is so entirely chockablock of pillows and stuff, again at $1000/night, is just more of a gamble than many folks will want to take

Good luck, Roll Tide

[Karl1193]

Wow.